Making my dog a treadmill (so I can harness her ENERGY mwuhahaha) - Part 1

Summary

In this engaging video, the creator embarks on an ambitious project to build a self-powered treadmill, or slat mill, for their high-energy dog named Crazy. The video follows the step-by-step process of designing and constructing the machine, including detailed explanations of the components, materials, and challenges faced, such as welding the frame and modifying industrial wheels. Along the way, the creator shares insights into engineering, fabrication, and some humorous moments of trial and error. The project promises a unique blend of dog fitness and DIY ingenuity, with a fun and informative behind-the-scenes look at the construction process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video focuses on building a self-powered treadmill for a dog named Crazy, to help her maintain peak physical condition.
• 😀 The dog treadmill is designed to enhance the dog's heart and muscle health by providing a structured running environment.
• 😀 The project requires precise engineering, with a steel frame, roller wheels, and a slat belt that moves as the dog runs on it.
• 😀 The creator provides measurements based on the dog’s size to determine the treadmill's dimensions and frame height.
• 😀 The fabrication process involves welding the frame, and the creator takes care to prevent warping by allowing time for cooling after each round of welds.
• 😀 The build includes four industrial-grade guide wheels that need modification to function in the treadmill, as they weren’t initially designed for this purpose.
• 😀 The creator uses a lathe to modify the wheels, encountering challenges like securing them properly, which requires creativity in using custom steel pieces.
• 😀 After modifying the wheels, one of the key issues with the project is the difficulty in machining nylon components, which are essential for the design.
• 😀 Industrial springs are incorporated for shock absorption to protect the dog’s joints, though there’s an issue with the size of the springs ordered.
• 😀 The project is nearing completion, with the assembly of the two frames coming together, and the creator is excited to finish the treadmill and test it with the dog.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the dog slat mill in the video?

The dog slat mill is a self-powered treadmill designed to keep high-drive, working dogs like the presenter’s dog, Crazy, in peak physical condition by providing exercise for strong heart health and muscles.

How did the presenter determine the size for the dog slat mill?

The presenter took measurements from the dog, including its length (70 cm), internal body dimensions, and the desired height of the treadmill (500 mm from the ground to the treadmill, 600 mm from the treadmill to the top of the frame).

What was the challenge the presenter faced while welding the frame?

The challenge was preventing warping during welding, which was crucial to maintain the straightness and accuracy of the frame, especially as it functions as a large dog-powered belt grinder.

What is the role of the four guide wheels in the slat mill design?

The four guide wheels are used to prevent the treadmill belt and slats from falling off the sides. These wheels are large and have a high weight rating, ensuring stability during operation.

Why did the presenter need to modify the industrial trolley wheels for the slat mill?

The presenter had to modify the industrial trolley wheels because they had a crown that would not work for the treadmill setup. The modification involved lathe work to make the wheels suitable for the design.

How did the presenter secure the trolley wheels for machining in the lathe?

The presenter created steel inserts to clamp the wheels on the internal ledge, ensuring a secure hold during machining, as the wheels couldn’t be held by their outer circumference.

What materials were used in constructing the frame of the dog slat mill?

The frame is made of steel tubing, with various industrial components like the 60 caster wheels for the bed, and springs for shock absorption to protect the dog’s joints.

What issue did the presenter encounter with the industrial springs intended for shock absorption?

The presenter misread the specifications of the springs, leading to an unexpected size that was not quite what was needed for the shock absorption system.

What was the purpose of the drill tap and countersink tool mentioned in the video?

The drill tap and countersink tool was used to drill and tap 60 holes in the frame for attaching the wheels, which was essential for assembling the roller bed that powers the treadmill.

What is the significance of the presenter’s excitement for the slat mill's completion?

The presenter is excited because the project has involved intricate fabrication and engineering challenges. Completing the slat mill will demonstrate the functionality of a custom-built, dog-powered treadmill.